NewSchools: Innovative Schools Grant

NewSchools: Innovative Schools Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: NewSchools Venture Fund
Amount: US $150,000 - US $250,000
Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Summary

The NewSchools: Innovative Schools Grant supports education leaders aiming to create new public and charter schools that address the unique needs of today's students. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $250,000, the grant emphasizes equity and innovative educational models. Applications are encouraged before the December 10, 2024 priority deadline, with the final deadline on January 8, 2025. This initiative seeks to empower diverse communities through transformative educational solutions.

Overview

The final application deadline is January 8, 2025, at 11:59 pm PST. The first step is to complete the eligibility form to determine if your idea aligns with our strategy. We strongly encourage you to submit the form by the priority deadline of December 10, 2024. Submitting this form early will give you the opportunity to receive personalized support to strengthen your application. Our Vision We envision an education system that keeps its promise to all students. That’s why we invest in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions that expand the definition of what works. There’s a better way to advance education through philanthropy — one that is more equitable, more collaborative, and more courageous–and we’re proving it every day. Innovative Schools Every child has a fundamental right to an excellent education that gives them choice and opportunity. Young people deserve to finish high school ready to build a better future for their families and become the future leaders and problem solvers our world needs. Yet too many children — especially students of color, students experiencing poverty, and students with learning differences — lack access to the engaging and rigorous learning opportunities they need. It’s time to create new schools that work better for today’s students. NewSchools is committed to supporting educators with bold new school visions. We support the creation of new public, charter and district schools that provide students with a solid academic foundation and the mindsets, habits, and skills needed for lifelong success (which we call an expanded definition of student success). Because we know that each community’s needs are unique, we support founders with innovative designs for new schools that are co-created with students and their families. Our definition of an innovative school is broad. We believe innovation can and should take many forms, including combining new ideas with proven practice. While approaches may vary, all schools in our portfolio are student-centered, embrace an expanded definition of student success, and prioritize equity by holding high expectations for all, ensuring learning outcomes are not predictable by identity. What We’re Looking For NewSchools will invest in school founders committed to bringing new school models to life. We support educators who are designing new, innovative public schools opening in Fall 2025, Fall 2026, or Fall 2027. We fund a school team’s planning years (12-24 months prior to opening) and/or provide support for the first three years of a school’s operation. We support teams that are creating: The first or second school of an emerging charter school networkA new school with a significantly different model in an existing charter networkNew district schools, tribally controlled schools or schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education We are also interested in learning more about how school founders are supporting post-secondary success, students with learning differences, leveraging generative AI, and/or adopting new approaches to educator roles. What We Offer Funding Direct financial support to advance your work. One-year, general operating support grants range from $150,000 to $250,000. Expert Support One-on-one coaching and access to national experts. Community Connection with peer organizations across the country.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. NewSchools invests in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions and creating new possibilities for all students. Our investments are focused on reimagining U.S. PK-12 public education.We fund work that is based in the U.S.You can preview the eligibility form and application questions in the application guide.